“Absolutely Lucy,” by Ilene Cooper
Stepping Stone Book, Random House, New York, 2000, 74 pages, Grades 3-4.
Sometimes people just do not know how to make friends. This may not be because they wouldn’t be a good friend or do not have likeable qualities.
Sometimes new settings make people want to withdraw. Occasionally, they are simply shy. The trouble with shyness is that it is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Shy people often have few friends and lack the confidence to introduce themselves. As a result, they do not make friends easily and are often alone. The only way to get over this problem is to go out to other people. In other words, shy people must act with courage to master this problem.
Ilene Cooper has written a delightful series of books known as “The Absolutely Lucy Books.” This is the first book in the series and we find Bobby Quinn struggling with shyness at his 8th birthday party.
Bobby Quinn has never been outgoing and has a difficult time meeting people and making friends. His parents know he has this problem, but have not figured out a way to help him overcome the difficulty. They repeatedly ask him to meet other children, but he just wants to stay in his room and read.
At his 8th birthday party, Mr. and Mrs. Quinn invite a number of family members to the celebration. His cousins give Bobby a dinosaur book which makes the boy happy. Now he can go to his room and read without being interrupted.
His parents tell Bobby that he has to shut his eyes to get his final present. He closes them tightly and opens them when his dad says to look. Much to his surprise, a small beagle puppy is handed to him. The puppy wiggles and squirms in his arms and it is fairly obvious that Bobby is going to have his hands full taking care of this cute puppy.
Bobby waits several days to name the puppy. His mother and father give him several possibilities but none of them seem right. After looking at her lovable face, Bobby decides to name her Lucy. Happy with his selection, he finds Lucy’s leash and takes her for a walk. Just walking Lucy makes Bobby happy and more confident. Now he has a real friend that is totally faithful.
However, Lucy needs training and when Bobby takes Lucy to obedience school he meets another child with a dog. To make matters more embarrassing for him, it is a girl. How do you talk to a girl? Lucy doesn’t have any problems wanting to get to know the other dog, and she tugs on the leash and pulls Bobby over to the girl and her dog. She turns to speak to him as he blushes from embarrassment. She breaks the ice: “Hi, my name is Candy.” It is now or never, Bobby either talks with the girl or runs home and hides.
What does Bobby do? Does he talk with Candy? Is he able to overcome his shyness and begin to make friends? Why is this so helpful to Bobby? Have you ever felt hesitant about meeting new people? Why is it so important to learn this valuable skill? What does Bobby finally learn? To find out go to the library and check out this delightful early reader, “Absolutely Lucy” by Ilene Cooper.
There are a number of books in this series. The stories are pleasant and uplifting and will help young children overcome their fears. I hope you get a chance to encourage the young children in your family to read the “Absolutely Lucy Book Series.” They are delightful and sensitive. Enjoy!
